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China to launch space test module

It will be joined by two more modules in the coming years to form a space station by 2020.

26 Sep 2011 00:23 GMT

China is preparing to launch The Heavenly Palace, an experimental unmanned spacecraft, next week.

The module will form the basis for China's own space station, and will be joined by two more modules in the coming years.

Analysts say the space station could be operational by the year 2020. China is not part of the group that operates the International Space Station, which includes the United States, Russia, and 13 other countries.